The sale of two mid-sized industrial buildings demonstrates the strength of the sector as occupiers benefitting from the coronavirus crisis look for extra space, according to Carter Jonas, the national property consultancy.
It said a number of online retailers, parcel carriers, manufacturing and engineering firms and medical suppliers were on the lookout for additional space – often in relatively small units – as they were seeing a spike in activity linked to the Covid-19 crisis.
The firm pointed to its sale of the two buildings in West Wilshire totalling around 33,000 sq ft as proof of a buoyant market.
Carter Jonas represented Braemon Holdings on its disposal of Unit 8 on Atworth Business Park, near Melksham. The 12,917 sq ft (1,200 sq m) industrial and warehouse building includes loading facilities, well-presented office space and allocated parking.
At Leafield Industrial Estate in Corsham, the firm represented Bath property group HPH on the sale of Unit 5. The 20,000 sq ft (1,858 sq m) industrial building, including a yard, was bought by a private owner-occupier.
Carter Jonas associate partner Alison Williams said: “These deals are a good example of how the industrial sector continues to hold up well, despite the turbulent times caused by the pandemic.
“The investment market in Wiltshire and the South West remains strong, particularly for units such as these, in established locations benefitting from excellent transport links to local business communities and the wider region.
“Additionally, occupier demand for this type of mid-range space is growing. They appeal to a broad range of occupier, many of which have had to increase productivity over the last few months, making them an attractive proposition to investors and owner-occupiers.”
